Even if you take a closer look, not even sophisticated experts can see that the Morgan Plus Four presented in the first week of March is a completely new model.
But British understatement, along with the associated snobbery, has traditionally been part of the self-image of the Morgan Motor Company from Malvern Link for 111 years. The 30,000-inhabitant nest in the west of England is located in the British county of Worcestershire, which gained worldwide fame thanks to its spice sauce of the same name.
Allegedly, the brand new Plus Four only shares the bonnet locks with its predecessor Plus 4. Only the spelling in its name is different. Visually, however, the Four runs smoothly as a twin brother of the 4. Since its debut in 1950 as a bread-and-butter car, it has been the sales backbone of Morgan production and is considered one of the longest series-produced vehicles in the world. But now, 70 years after the first Plus 4 rolled off the assembly line at Pickersleigh Road, a new chapter is beginning.
Although probably no other Morgan has made such far-reaching concessions to today’s automotive technology – for example with independent single-wheel suspension instead of leaf suspension and a chassis made of aluminum – at least the frame made of ash wood has remained an important Morgan gene. Such manufacturing technology was once used by wheelwrights when building carriages.
Morgan Plus Four does not rely on automation and assembly lines. Anyone who has seen with their own eyes the skill and calmness of working people at Morgan must admire them. “Craftsmanship is and will remain the core of Morgan’s production,” says CEO Steve Morris.
Together with its bigger brother Plus Six, the Four is on the Morgan CX generation platform. So called in Roman numerals because it was developed by Morgan (2019) in the 110th year. The design of the Plus Four differs significantly from the Morgan Plus Six. Four-cylinder Morgan vehicles always had a narrower body than the larger engine models in the range, and the new Plus Four is no exception. With dimensions similar to its predecessor, however, it offers more space for passengers and luggage.
The wheel design, which is a core part of the company’s design language, required extensive development work, including redesigned wishbones, new suspension and brake components.
Another alloy wheel style that evokes memories of sports cars from the 1960s and 1970s is also available on request. Other details sound revolutionary to Morgan. These include, for example, automatic LED front lights and LED rear lights, central locking, ABS as well as power steering and an audio system with Bluetooth.
It produces 255 hp (190 kW). With a weight of just 1009 kilograms, the Plus Four is easy to play, catapults the car from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and ensures a top speed of 240 km/h. With an open driving style, some hair should go the distance.
The engine transmits its power to the road either by means of a six-speed manual transmission or – for the first time at Morgan in this model – an eight-speed automatic.
While power and torque have increased by more than 65 percent compared to the predecessor according to the factory, the new one has a similar fuel consumption of around seven liters per 100 kilometers. The emission values are said to have decreased by 30 percent compared to the old Plus 4.
The Morgan Plus Four is already available for order, deliveries to customers begin in April or May.
